Midlands EMS spokesperson, Ronald Robertson, said they were alerted to the incident, and an advanced life support team was dispatched to the scene to provide urgent medical assistance.



"On arrival, our team found one person who had sustained serious injuries and was in critical condition. Immediate advanced life support treatment was initiated to stabilise the patient," Robertson said.

He said rescue teams had to use specialised rescue equipment to ensure safe and effective care in a challenging environment.

After stabilisation at the scene, the patient was transported to a local trauma hospital for further treatment, Robertson said the patient was taken to a local trauma hospital for further treatment.

In a separate incident, also involving an animal, a young child was seriously injured while out horse riding.

Robertson said emergency teams raced to the scene in Howick, also in the KZN Midlands on Monday afternoon to find the injured child.

"Upon arrival, it was determined that a child had sustained serious injuries and required urgent advanced life support treatment.


"The child was stabilized on scene using specialised rescue equipment before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care," Robertson said.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

At a memorial service in Pietermaritzburg for the late Yusuf Bhamjee, ANC member Zweli Mkhize emphasized the need for South African leaders to adopt Bhamjee's leadership style. Bhamjee, who passed away on January 3, 2025, served in various capacities within the ANC, including as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and as Mayor of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality.



Mkhize highlighted Bhamjee's ability to connect with comrades across the political spectrum and his role in fostering peace during a tumultuous period in the Natal Midlands. He noted that Bhamjee was an activist at heart, dedicated to addressing community challenges rather than seeking personal comfort in office.



According to Mkhize, Bhamjee's commitment to serving the people exemplified the empathy that originally drove the ANC. He lamented the shift in the party, where some members have become careerists focused on personal gain rather than community service. Mkhize pointed out that this change has hindered effective governance and service delivery.



He praised Bhamjee's leadership in the uMgungundlovu District, stating that he understood community needs and managed people effectively. Mkhize called for a return to the type of activism that Bhamjee embodied, urging ANC members to foster cooperation among South Africans of all backgrounds.

He concluded that Bhamjee's legacy should inspire a renewed commitment to serving communities and addressing their challenges.

Kanku Road Housing Project: A Step Toward Dignified Living for Isipingo Residents

*Location:** Kanku Road, Ward 90, Isipingo, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
*Budget:** R70 million – R170 million
*Date of Start:** June 1, 2020
*Date of Handover:** June 28, 2023
*Units Completed:** 360 semi-detached homes
*Beneficiaries:** Families from Isipingo Transit Camp (displaced during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and subsequent natural disasters)

Key Events & Dates:

*March 2020:** The eThekwini Municipality officially launched the Kanku Road Housing Project, aiming to build 360 semi-detached, double-storey homes with full services for residents of the Isipingo Transit Camp. This project was part of an effort to provide better housing for those living in temporary camps since the 2010 World Cup and later displaced by floods.
*June 1, 2020:** Construction commenced, starting with infrastructure works such as water systems, roads, and sewage.
*February 2021:** Progress was slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and protests from residents frustrated by delays.
*March 9, 2023:** Of the 360 planned homes, 147 were completed. Full completion was expected by June 2023.
*June 28, 2023:** Official handover of the homes to families, with 360 units completed. The handover ceremony was attended by national, provincial, and municipal officials, including Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.
*August 2023:** Some families entered homes before official municipal approval, claiming rightful status as beneficiaries, sparking tensions and protests.
*April 2025:** Issues with sewage overflow and sinkholes in the area were reported, causing dissatisfaction among residents and ratepayers.

Project Stakeholders:

*eThekwini Municipality**: Lead organization responsible for the project’s planning and execution.
*Project Preparation Trust (PPT)**: Assisted with planning and infrastructure setup.
*National and Provincial Government**: Supported through funding and policy direction.
*Beneficiaries**: Displaced families from Isipingo Transit Camp, many of whom had been living in temporary conditions since 2010.

Issues & Challenges:

*Delays**: Initial delays due to COVID-19 and a slow start with infrastructure construction.
*Verification and Occupancy**: Tensions arose in 2023 when some families occupied homes without final municipal verification, leading to protests.*Service Delivery**: Complaints of sewage system failure and sinkholes arose in 2025, further frustrating residents and ratepayers.

Conclusion:

The Kanku Road Housing Project represents a significant effort to provide permanent housing to displaced residents of Isipingo. While the project has faced delays and service delivery issues, the completed homes offer a step toward addressing long-standing housing needs in the area. Moving forward, addressing service issues and ensuring proper allocation processes will be crucial to the project’s ongoing success.